Reform UK Scotland confirmed in a statement that Amanda Bland had resigned the whip and would sit as an independent, as it urged her to quit Holyrood and allow another MSP from the party to take her place.
“We can confirm Amanda Bland has resigned as a Reform UK member of the Scottish Parliament to sit as an independent MSP,” a spokesman for the party said.
“We are proud of a talented and united team of MSPs at Holyrood who have supported each other at every step of the way.
“Amanda Bland should reflect on her reasons for choosing to isolate herself from that team of capable individuals.
“It is incumbent on her to resign as a regional MSP for Central Scotland and Lothians West and allow her constituents to be represented by the next Reform candidate on that list.”
Both Reform and Labour had 17 seats following May’s election, but the decision by Ms Bland – a regional MSP for Central Scotland and Lothians West – drops her former party to 16 seats and into third place.
The decision will likely have ramifications for Reform in Holyrood, including potentially losing its second place in the order to question John Swinney at First Minister’s Questions every other week.
Ms Bland’s office has been contacted for comment.
